The Upwind Summer Scholarship Program has named its 2014 winners: Julie Korsmeyer and Stephen Schick, both of San Mateo, Calif. Both of these aspiring young aviators have been awarded a complete primary flight training program that begins with ground school in April and continues with flight training once the academic school year is completed.
Upwind Board Chairman Michael Vowles notes, “We are pleased to award two scholarships again this year. There were several qualified candidates and the final decision was not an easy one. I am confident that Ms. Korsmeyer and Mr. Schick will excel in the program, and that this opportunity will provide the foundation upon which to build their careers in aviation.”
In partnership with San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC), the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program was created to promote piloting and general aviation, and to cultivate interest in aviation as a career. Each year Upwind selects one or more high school student sand provide them with everything they need to earn a Private Pilot license. This includes ground school instruction, along with all the necessary books, charts, and basic flight planning tools, as well as flight training with expert instructors. Additionally, the scholarship recipients will receive mentorship and guidance from other SCFC pilots, and enjoy many other social and flying activities.
Julie Korsmeyer is a junior at Hillsdale High School and is an active volunteer in the community, including stage crew at Abbott Middle School and peer tutor at Hillsdale High School. She also plays the bass clarinet in her high school band. Julie’s interest in aviation began as a young child, with visits to the NASA Ames Research Center and Moffett field with her father. “Being selected for this scholarship is absolutely amazing,” she said. “It will provide many new opportunities for me and allow me to pursue one of my longtime goals.”
Stephen Schick is a junior at Aragon High School, and is an intern at the office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a lifeguard at the Palo Alto YMCA, and has volunteered for the Marine Science Institute. His first flight experience launched his passion for aviation. “The feeling when you lose contact with the ground and lift up into the sky is both awesome and exhilarating.” Stephen has been working toward learning to fly ever since that first experience. “After years of anticipation, I’m finally going to become a pilot. I can honestly tell you that I have never been so excited in my entire life.”
For more information: SanCarlosFlight.com/Upwind.